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Dating Tips: Appearing More Confident

Regardless if you’re gay, straight, or somewhere in between, dating can be hard as hell.

Just the act of putting yourself out there in the hopes that someone might show an interest is a huge step forward, and sometimes working past that fear of rejection can eat away at your confidence.

Even if we don’t always admit it to ourselves, we all know that it’s natural to be somewhat nervous and excited at the same time about meeting someone new. It’s all about stepping out into the unknown and not letting your nerves get the best of you.

But what steps have you taken to move past that in order to show that truly amazing person you know is lurking deep down? How do you get past those nerves and give a strong first impression? How do you act or react?

Like anything in life, if you can come across as confident in yourself and carry yourself well, then that’ll go a long way to attracting a potential mate.

And hopefully make that date you’re on go really well. As well as any other area of your life.

Posture Matters

Body language is probably the biggest thing that can make or break a first date. If you’re sitting there slumped over with your chin drooping towards your chest, then you’re making it look like you’re not interested or couldn’t care if this new person even likes you.

Instead, use your posture to show you’re interested in the other person. Standing up straight says to the world that you’re present, and that you’re approaching the situation with strength and purpose.

Let your face communicate for you

Part of the way your date will determine if you’re interested or willing to engage with them is by watching your facial reactions during your conversation. You want your face to project openness, honestly, friendliness, positive and an aura of being approachable. You want them to think of you as emotionally present and cute.

But if you don’t even smile at your date or be engaging, then it’s extremely unlikely the date will end well. This isn’t a ‘fake it until you make it’ situation either, as that’ll come across as false and possibly make your date want to run to the hills.

Eyes wide open

Along with giving good face per above, you also need to learn how to establish good eye contact. You can be as smiley as you want to be, but if you’re avoiding eye contact or if that gorgeous smile isn’t reaching your eyes, then your date will know something is up.

At the same time though, don’t take it to the other extreme and end up staring at them the entire night, as that’s just darn creepy!

Instead, learn how to gaze at the other person, and ensure you’re looking directly at them (preferably in the eye) to show you’re actually listening to and interested in what they’re talking about. And when he cracks some cheesy joke that makes you laugh anyway, make sure you smile with your eyes as well.

Lean into them

Now, this isn’t to say you should drape yourself all over your date – well, unless it’s one of those dates *wink, wink* – but you should still use your body language to show your interest in the other person. Be willing to lean forward slightly as they speak to you, nodding as they speak.

But be careful not to get too familiar too soon and invading your date’s person space. It’s one thing to be flirty, but another to be leaping into their lap when they’ve just said hello.

Handshake, kiss on the cheek or a hug

On top of everything above, when you’re first meeting someone new, you also need to decide how you’re going to greet them. Would a handshake seem too impersonal and send the wrong, unromantic signals? Or is a kiss on the cheek or a brief hug too intimate?

Perhaps it also matters where you’re meeting on this date. If you’re just meeting at a random cafe or pub, then perhaps a handshake would be more appropriate than a friendly hug or kiss. But then again, it would also depend on your own comfort levels in showing affection in public.

(Clearly wouldn’t suggest a full on make-out session.. unless the date goes really well of course. Haha)

In the end, a date of whatever sort is supposed to be fun and interesting, so why not put your best face forward to get things off to a brilliant start. Use your nerves and that exciting feeling to your advantage, and just enjoy yourself.

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7 thoughts on “Dating Tips: Appearing More Confident”

A very good piece(s) of advice, my blogging buddy! Great suggestions and reminds me of the time when I first met my husband, Aaron. It was quite by accident so the both of us were totally unprepared as both of us had resigned ourselves to being alone. No times for nervousness or being shy. It was along the lines of “sink or swim.” We’ve been swimming together for almost seven years now. Naked hugs!

You’re very lucky to have met each other and for things to have gone so well. Part of why I wrote this was to try and boost my own confidence. . even if I haven’t had any dates at all lately. I’d become a cat lady if I wasn’t allergic lol

Love the post. as someone who’s been on the dating scene for a while with limited (almost no) success its a good reminder of to pay attention to the non-verbal signals you may be giving or receiving. Thanks for posting